Biggest Extraction Mistakes In ARC Raiders

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The extraction shooter genre has a lot of variety, and ARC Raiders stands out by being easy for newcomers to pick up while still offering a challenging experience for seasoned players. It’s simple to dive into a raid, collect loot, and fill your inventory, but surviving the escape is where things get tricky. The maps are filled with multiple extraction points and Raider Hatches to speed things up, but leaving with your loot is tough, especially when other players are waiting to ambush you at the exits.

Many players struggle to finish their runs, not because of the dangerous Arcs, but due to simple mistakes that lead to lost progress. Some of these errors are easy to fix, while others require players to be more careful and plan their escape routes. However, once players understand these key principles, successfully extracting loot becomes much easier, leading to fewer frustrating failures and more rewards for Speranza.

Assuming Friendliness From Others

Not Everyone Is Going To Put Down Their Weapons

Details:

  • Betrayals are more common than ever
  • It’s common that players let their guard down

What really sets ARC Raiders apart is its social dynamic. Every raid feels unique because you drop into a match with other players and aren’t sure if they’ll help you out with supplies or try to eliminate you. This tension is highest at the very end, when you’re trying to escape with your loot. Players often try to team up at the extraction point, but there’s no guarantee anyone will be friendly – people are just as likely to shoot you and steal everything you’ve earned.

Look, as a player, I’ve learned you can never fully trust anyone in this game. Always assume that friendly face could turn on you at any second – it’s better to be prepared than caught off guard. If some Raiders suddenly offer to team up, be super wary. I’ve seen way too many times where players cooperate for a bit, then get backstabbed right before escaping with the loot. This is especially true in one-on-one fights, but even with bigger groups, it’s hard to tell who’s actually on your side. Honestly, if I’m in a group extraction, I sometimes let everyone else go first, then start my own right after. It just minimizes the risk of getting betrayed at the last minute, you know?

Rushing Straight To The Exit

Extracting Is Hardly A Quiet Activity

Image via Embark Studios

Details:

  • Sound queue of extraction alerts anyone nearby
  • A large window to get out that many ignore

Getting to extraction points on the maps often takes a significant amount of time. Whether you use a lift or a train, you’ll usually have to wait for the doors to open, unless you have a spare key to use an alternate escape route. While some players quickly press the button, hide, and rush to the exit, this strategy is easily anticipated and can be used against you by opponents waiting to ambush extractors. A safer approach is to first check your surroundings, and only activate the extraction point when you’re sure no enemies are nearby.

Things get trickier when you’re near a spot someone else has already been to. It can be tough to figure out where they are and if they’ll be helpful or a threat. Even so, it’s smart to stay in a good position, watch, and see where they go. Being patient really pays off – just a quick scan of the area can greatly improve your chances of surviving, especially since another player might show up at any moment looking for a fight.

Choosing The Wrong Extraction Point

Don’t Always Aim For The Easy Way Out

Image via Embark Studios

Details:

  • Central locations are often far more contested
  • Look for outer points with a longer window left

In ARC Raiders, every map has several extraction points, giving players convenient ways to leave the area without a long trek. However, these escape routes gradually close over time, pushing players into increasingly dangerous situations with limited options. As a match progresses, players should start planning their escape route carefully, considering the remaining extraction point locations and whether they’re located in areas with heavy loot and intense fighting.

When the safe zone shrinks, your first instinct might be to rush to the nearest exit. However, you’ll likely encounter intense fighting with other players who are also panicking. A smarter move is to avoid the crowded center and head for the edges of the map. These areas are less busy, meaning fewer fights and a much higher chance of escaping successfully. Taking a few extra moments to reach a quieter location can save you a lot of stress and dramatically improve your chances of survival.

Ignoring Clues Of Player Activity

Dead Arcs Could Be All The Info You Need

Image via Embark Studios

Details:

  • Pay attention to dead Raiders and other signs of players near the extraction point
  • Most campers ignore voice comms

Extraction points are major battlegrounds in the game. Killing a player just before they escape ensures you get all their loot, which would otherwise be lost. As the game has evolved, more players are choosing to ‘camp’ these exits – hiding nearby to easily ambush unsuspecting opponents. It can be hard to tell if someone is hiding nearby, even with voice or in-game communication, as aggressive players often remain silent.

When approaching an exit, especially in tight spaces like Buried City, quickly scan for signs of other players. Untouched Living Arcs suggest the area is safe, but finding wrecked Arcs or even player remains means someone else was there recently – either they fell, or someone eliminated them. Paying attention to these details can be crucial for survival, so always check for damaged or active Arcs and listen carefully for any sounds that might indicate someone is camping below.

Forgetting The Time

Keep An Eye On That Clock

Image via Embark Studios

Details:

  • Looking for too long can often lead to instant death
  • Far extraction points can often become the only option later on

While it’s tempting to take your time in Topside, players have a limited window to gather gear and escape. Staying too long means certain death. Because of this, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the remaining time, especially if you start a raid late, giving you less time to loot. Knowing when extraction points are closing can also help you prioritize where to go and finish your raid efficiently.

Ugh, seriously, the worst is when you’ve got a totally decked-out inventory and then you’re scrambling to get to the extraction point. If you don’t make it in time, all that good stuff is gone! I’ve learned that just glancing at the map regularly makes a huge difference. Now, I always try to plan a route with a clear start and end point before I start looting. It just makes everything flow so much smoother, and I avoid those heart-stopping moments when I realize how far away the exit is and if I can even reach it!

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2025-12-22 06:06